After I led a young adult pilgrimage to Ireland this past spring, I decided to end my journey in a place that has come to feel like home to me: London.
I studied abroad in London during my last semester in college, and it was such a pivotal time in my life that the city itself seemed to plant its seed in my soul. For me, it was a season of autonomy and growing closer toward my true self—a time that has served as a touchstone ever since in moments when I feel as if I’ve lost my way.
And so, every time I visit London, I feel as if, in a way, I’m visiting a part of myself. That’s what I wanted to do, at least, on my solitary journey last spring. My husband, Kyle, had just set off on a transformational journey of his own, and even though I only had a few days, I wanted a taste of the same.
As we prepared to end one season in life and enter the next, I wanted to touch that part of myself that felt so alive in London many years ago, and I also wanted to see how much I’d changed. I wanted to walk the streets, to feel the thrill of knowing a city like the back of my hand, to allow myself to leisurely lose my way in order to turn the corner and find it once more. I wanted to smell the smells, hear the sounds, and see the sites that felt like old friends. And, I wanted to find that old friend within me, too.
I had just a few days to explore, and while I still visited many sites that are frequented by tourists and locals alike, it felt more like a pilgrimage than a vacation. The intention behind the journey made each flash of memory significant, each internal struggle an opportunity for humility and growth. The journey was meaningful simply because I made it so.
While it would be hard to put my experience into words (some experiences are best left without words, I think), I want to invite you into my journey at least in picture form by sharing the images and captions I posted on Instagram during my time in London. Know that while these images might just seem like things to add to a London itinerary, to me each picture stirs my soul. I hope they encourage you to make the time to visit your own personal Sacred landscapes, too, in life and in time—no matter how ordinary.
![St. James' Park](https://i0.wp.com/www.asacredjourney.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Screen-Shot-2015-08-05-at-4.52.59-PM.png?resize=564%2C554&ssl=1)
My first full day in London began with a walk in the park. Apparently these guys had a similar plan…
![National Gallery, London](https://i0.wp.com/www.asacredjourney.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Screen-Shot-2015-08-05-at-4.53.10-PM.png?resize=564%2C556&ssl=1)
Next up: The National Gallery, with plans to wander, wonder, and write.
![Borough Market, London](https://i0.wp.com/www.asacredjourney.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Screen-Shot-2015-08-05-at-4.53.40-PM.png?resize=564%2C551&ssl=1)
Borough Market—I could roam these food stalls for days. Celebrating 1000 years. Can you believe it?!
![Tea for One](https://i0.wp.com/www.asacredjourney.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Screen-Shot-2015-08-05-at-4.53.54-PM.png?resize=564%2C554&ssl=1)
Afternoon tea for one, please!
![St. Paul's Cathedral](https://i0.wp.com/www.asacredjourney.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Screen-Shot-2015-08-05-at-4.54.10-PM.png?resize=564%2C556&ssl=1)
Finished the day with a choral evensong service at St. Paul’s before walking back to my hotel. I walked everywhere today, apparently totaling an unexpected 10 miles. But to be fair, whenever anyone asked me about my London plans I told them I just want to walk around the city, so…check!
![The Orangery, Kensington Palace](https://i0.wp.com/www.asacredjourney.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Screen-Shot-2015-08-05-at-4.54.21-PM.png?resize=564%2C553&ssl=1)
Starting the day with breakfast at The Orangery at Kensington Palace. Kate suggested we meet here since it’s in the neighborhood and all…
![V&A Museum, London](https://i0.wp.com/www.asacredjourney.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Screen-Shot-2015-08-05-at-4.54.31-PM.png?resize=564%2C554&ssl=1)
Picnicking at the V&A on a grey English day.
![Lacy Gallery, London](https://i0.wp.com/www.asacredjourney.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Screen-Shot-2015-08-05-at-4.54.42-PM.png?resize=564%2C557&ssl=1)
A pilgrimage site if there ever were one…
![Jamie's Italian, Covent Garden](https://i0.wp.com/www.asacredjourney.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Screen-Shot-2015-08-05-at-4.54.56-PM.png?resize=564%2C561&ssl=1)
Ending the day with Jamie after a stop to visit Cath (Kidston)! A good way to end a very British day.
![Westminster Abbey, London](https://i0.wp.com/www.asacredjourney.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Screen-Shot-2015-08-05-at-4.55.14-PM.png?resize=564%2C553&ssl=1)
Palm Sunday at Westminster Abbey followed by a 6 year reunion with the girls from my Uganda gap year!
GO FURTHER…
What is a place that holds particular significance in your own journey? What is it like to return there?
PS: My disappointment during my previous visit to London and posts on London from our Pilgrim in Residence series. Plus, 5 ways to turn your ordinary trip into a pilgrimage.